- Lookman relishes bigger test in showdown
Pundits have propped up today’s eagerly-awaited 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) quarter-final showdown involving Super Eagles of Nigeria and Desert Foxes of Algeria in Marrakesh, Morocco, as a battle of lethal attack versus a formidable defence.
With Algeria producing a near-flawless defensive display, conceding just once in four matches, their resolute backline is set to confront an arduous challenge in a sharp-shooting Nigerian side that has so far scored a tournament-high 12 goals in the same number of games.
Having the attacking threat from Ademola Lookman, Victor Osimhen, Alex Iwobi and Akor Adam coming up against the reliable Rayan Aït-Nouri-led defence promises a high-stake and engaging face-off. The Manchester City player, who has emerged as a standout defender in the competition, is rated among the Foxes’ high-performing stars alongside veterans Aïssa Mandi and Ramy Bensebaini.
So the million Naira poser is: Can the Eric Chelle men, with their blend of tactical discipline and attacking grit, put aside their on-field issues from the previous match and take apart the Algerian defence for a much-desired semi-final ticket?
Interestingly, Super Eagles’ talisman Lookman is upbeat about the prospects of soaring past the North Africans with the team so far “improving in every single game”.
The Atalanta forward, who has been Nigeria’s most influential player at the tournament, was again central to their attacking play and duly earned his second Man of the Match award against Mozambique. With three goals and five assists to his credit in this competition, Lookman has taken his overall AFCON tally to seven goals.
Speaking to reporters after their last match, Lookman said, “It’s been great. The team is improving every single game. It’s all goals today, so that’s positive for us.”
Operating in a fluid attacking trio, Lookman has combined effectively with Akor Adams and Victor Osimhen, helping Nigeria maintain a constant threat in the final third. Amid a brief verbal exchange with teammate Osimhen in the last outing, Lookman was quick to dismiss any suggestion of tension within the squad.
“Nothing happened, just a discussion on the pitch. That’s it,” he said, adding: “In football, these things happen and you move on.”
Lookman, while noting that the responsibility of wearing the national colours continues to drive his performances on the pitch, said: “I get the opportunity to represent my country, and I know how much weight that bears. So I try to use that pressure and try to perform.”
With the Super Eagles now firmly focused on today’s game, Lookman admitted that they expect a tough scrutiny from one of the continent’s most experienced sides, saying: “The quarter-finals of the AFCON is something to look forward to. Another big battle awaits us, so we need to be ready.”
Also highlighting the physical and tactical demands of the competition, the Nigerian international explained: “Everyone is physically strong. It’s about meeting them on the field, being intelligent, and being ready.
“Same mentality from the team. Same mentality to win, to be aggressive on the ball.”
In his words of encouragement to Super Eagles’ supporters and those facing challenges beyond the tournament, Lookman said, “Keep on focusing, keep on believing in yourself. Good things will come.”
All said and done, Nigerians are once again looking to Lookman’s inspiration as they chase a place in the AFCON last four against the team that deprived them a final ticket in the 2019 tournament that was hosted by Egypt.
